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  • Pulses Production – Subramanian Committee, Eco Survey, etc.

    [pib] Centre approves National Pulses Mission

    Prelims OnlySchemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development has approved the National Pulses Mission (Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses).

    About the National Pulses Mission:

    • Launch (2025): Approved by the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses by 2030–31, improve nutrition, and raise farmer incomes.
    • Targets: Production to rise from 24.2 MT (2024–25) to 35 MT (2030–31); acreage 310 lakh ha, yield 1,130 kg/ha.
    • Coverage: 416 districts, with focus on rice fallows, improved seeds, intercropping, irrigation, and market linkages.
    • MSP Procurement: 100% assured for Tur, Urad, Masoor for four years under PM-AASHA Price Support Scheme, via NAFED/NCCF.
    • Framework: Under National Food Security Mission (NFSM); combines ICAR-led R&D with private sector inputs, processing, and storage.
    • Budget: ₹11,440 crore outlay up to 2030–31 for multi-year implementation.
    • Outcomes: Improved nutrition, soil fertility (nitrogen-fixing), stable prices, climate resilience, and rural employment.

    Key Features:

    • Cluster-Based Approach: Targets high-potential regions, diversifies beyond traditional belts, reduces risks.
    • Market Infrastructure: 1,000 post-harvest units (dal mills, grading, packaging) with subsidies up to ₹25 lakh/unit.
    • Research & Extension: New high-yield, climate-resilient varieties; farmer training on nutrient, pest, and water management.
    • Risk Cover: Subsidies, insurance, and credit to reduce cultivation risks.
    • Market Reforms: Direct sales linkages, transparent logistics, MSP-backed procurement.
    [UPSC 2020] With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:

    1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop.

    2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.

    3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased.

    (a) 1 only * (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

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  • Roads, Highways, Cargo, Air-Cargo and Logistics infrastructure – Bharatmala, LEEP, SetuBharatam, etc.

    [pib] BRO Project Swastik marks 65 years of service

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Project Swastik celebrated its 65th Raising Day on October 01, 2025.

    About Project Swastik:

    • Origin: Established in 1960 as Project DRAGON, renamed Project Swastik on 1 October 1963.
    • Organisation: A flagship initiative of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under the Ministry of Defence.
    • Mandate: Construction and maintenance of strategic roads, bridges, and tunnels in the high-altitude Himalayan terrain.
    • Area of Responsibility: Covers North and East Sikkim up to forward border areas, also parts of North Bengal. The region is prone to landslides, fragile geology (Phyllites, Schists), and extreme weather conditions.
    • Strategic Role: Provides vital support for Armed Forces mobility, disaster relief operations, and socio-economic connectivity for remote communities.

    Major Accomplishments:

    • Road & Bridge Network: Built and maintained over 1,412 km of roads and 80 major bridges since inception.
    • Recent Achievements: In the last decade, completed 350 km of new roads, 26 bridges, and 1 tunnel, ensuring year-round access to forward areas.
    • Key Road Links: Developed lifelines like the Gangtok–Chungthang and Gangtok–Nathula roads, critical for defence and civilian movement.
    • Disaster Response: Effectively restored connectivity after Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), cloudbursts, and Teesta River floods. Widely praised during the 2023 Sikkim flash floods.

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  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    SARAL tool to simplify Scientific Research Papers

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: S&T – Applications In Everyday Life

    Why in the News?

    The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), India’s newest science funding agency, has launched a digital tool called SARAL (Simplified and Automated Research Amplification and Learning) to make scientific research more accessible.

    What is Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)?

    • Establishment: Created under the ANRF Act, 2023, replacing the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).
    • Nature: Acts as India’s apex science funding and policy-making body.

    • Mission & Objectives: 

      • Raise India’s R&D spending from 0.7% to 2% of GDP by 2030.
      • Mobilise 70% private sector participation in research funding.
      • Promote interdisciplinary research across sciences, technology, health, agriculture, humanities, and social sciences.
      • Align research with Viksit Bharat 2047 and the National Education Policy (NEP).

    • Structure:

      • Chairperson: Prime Minister of India (ex-officio).
      • Vice Presidents: Union Ministers of Science & Technology and Education.
      • Member Secretary: Principal Scientific Advisor.
      • Guided by a Governing Council and Executive Council for policy and funding.

    About SARAL:

    • Developer: Created by IIIT Hyderabad under the guidance of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
    • Purpose: Designed to make complex research papers accessible to students, professionals, and the general public.
    • AI Use: Generates summaries in multiple formats such as slides, videos, posters, and podcasts.
    • Language Support: Available in 11 Indian languages, ensuring wider inclusivity in science communication.
    • Workflow: Users upload research papers (LaTeX, arXiv links, PDFs); AI divides into sections (Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion, Conclusion); it produces editable slides and video summaries.
    • Significance:
      • Democratises science by converting research into layman-friendly outputs.
      • Enhances science communication and outreach.
      • Builds awareness of cutting-edge research across disciplines.
    [UPSC 2015] Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF)?

    1. NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government.

    2. NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in India’s premier scientific institutions in collaboration with highly advanced foreign scientific institutions.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only* (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

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  • [1st October 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A 100-year journey as the guardian of meritocracy

    op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2018] The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play. Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise.

    Linkage: Such constitutional bodies, like UPSC, completing 100 years, are often asked in exams, similar to questions on CAG’s appointment, tenure, and powers, highlighting the significance of understanding their independence and functions.

    Mentor’s Comment

    On October 1, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) completed a century of its establishment. From its inception under colonial rule to its present role as the guardian of meritocracy in independent India, the Commission has stood as a symbol of fairness, trust, and integrity in governance. As aspirants preparing for UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), understanding the history, philosophy, challenges, and reforms of this institution is vital — not just as knowledge, but also as inspiration for your own journey.

    Introduction

    The UPSC is more than an examining body; it is an institution that embodies the idea of equal opportunity, fairness, and trust in public life. Established in 1926, it has evolved through colonial, constitutional, and modern phases, transforming into one of the most complex yet respected recruitment agencies in the world. Conducting one of the toughest examinations with lakhs of aspirants each year, it ensures that merit alone decides entry into the highest echelons of governance. As the UPSC turns 100, this milestone is both a celebration of its legacy and a reflection on the road ahead.

    The Historical Foundations of UPSC

    1. Colonial beginnings (1926): Set up as the Public Service Commission following the Lee Commission’s recommendations (1924), initially with limited powers.
    2. Government of India Act 1935: Elevated to Federal Public Service Commission, giving Indians a greater role.
    3. Constitutional status (1950): Became UPSC, enshrined in the Constitution as an independent institution to safeguard meritocracy.

    What makes UPSC a Pillar of Fairness and Trust?

    1. Trust: Millions of aspirants rely on its transparency and impartiality; success depends solely on merit.
    2. Integrity: UPSC has remained insulated from political/external pressures, maintaining confidentiality and resisting malpractice.
    3. Fairness: Provides a level playing field — urban/rural, rich/poor, English/non-English — ensuring inclusivity in a diverse nation.
    4. Philosophy: Embodies the spirit of the Bhagavad Gītā — performing duty with rigor and detachment from outcomes.

    Why is the UPSC Examination Unique Globally?

    1. Scale: From 10–12 lakh prelim applicants annually to final merit lists through multi-stage filtering.
    2. Diversity: 48 optional subjects, 22 languages, making it the world’s most sophisticated competitive exam.
    3. Logistics: Prelims across 2,500+ venues; complex distribution for Mains subject papers across the country.
    4. Equity: Special arrangements for differently-abled candidates.
    5. Resilience: Seamless functioning even during COVID-19.

    How Has UPSC Expanded the ‘Indian Dream’?

    1. Democratization: Once elite-centric, now aspirants come from remotest districts and underprivileged regions.
    2. Opportunity: UPSC embodies the idea that talent + hard work can overcome barriers.
    3. Nation-building: Its selected civil servants have steered India through crises, reforms, environmental challenges, and growth.

    Who are the Unsung Heroes Behind UPSC?

    1. Paper-setters and evaluators: Finest academics and experts, anonymous contributors ensuring fairness.
    2. Role: Guarantee quality, unbiased assessment, and rigorous standards, remaining away from recognition.

    What Reforms Define UPSC’s Future-readiness?

    1. Digital modernization: Online application portal, face-recognition tech to prevent impersonation.
    2. PRATIBHA Setu initiative: Creates job opportunities for those who clear interview but miss the final list.
    3. Use of AI: To enhance efficiency and transparency without compromising integrity.
    4. Commitment: Adaptation to global disruptions in governance while preserving fairness.

    Conclusion

    The UPSC is not merely an examining authority; it is the guardian of meritocracy and a living institution embodying India’s faith in fairness and justice. As it celebrates its centenary, the challenge lies in preserving its values while adapting to a rapidly transforming world. For aspirants, the story of UPSC is not only an institutional history but also a guiding philosophy — to work with perseverance, detachment, and integrity.

    Value Addition 

    Constitutional Framework of UPSC (Articles 315–323)

    Establishment (Art. 315)

    1. UPSC for the Union and State Public Service Commissions (SPSC) for each state.
    2. Ensures independent and impartial recruitment of civil servants.

    Appointment of Members and Chairman (Art. 316)

    1. Chairman appointed by the President of India.
    2. Members appointed by the President.
    3. Qualifications: Not specified; expected to have experience in administration, academics, or law.

    Removal and Suspension (Art. 317)

    • Chairman or members can only be removed by President on:
      1. Proven misbehavior (after Supreme Court inquiry)
      2. Incapacity
      3. Protection ensures independence from political pressure.

    Conditions of Service (Art. 318)

    1. President regulates terms of service, pay, allowances, and pensions of chairman and members.
    2. Members can resign with prior notice.

    Cessation of Office (Art. 319): Member ceases to hold office on:

    1. Completion of tenure
    2. Resignation
    3. Removal under Art. 317

    Functions of UPSC (Art. 320)

    1. Recruitment: Conduct examinations for All India and Group A & B services.
    2. Promotions and Transfers: Advises government on appointments, promotions, and transfers.
    3. Disciplinary Matters: Advises on punishment or removal of civil servants.
    4. Advisory Role: Any service-related matters referred by the government.

    Extension of Functions (Art. 321)

    1. Parliament or State Legislature can expand UPSC’s functions.

    Budgetary Provisions (Art. 322)

    1. Expenses of UPSC charged on Consolidated Fund of India — ensures financial autonomy.

    Reporting to President/Parliament (Art. 323)

    1. Annual and special reports submitted to President.
    2. President places them before Parliament along with comments.

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  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    The transformation of girls education

    Explained | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Introduction

    “Beti padhegi toh kya karegi?” — a once common phrase in Indian households, captures the deep-rooted gender bias against girls’ education. In sharp contrast, India today is witnessing a remarkable transformation where girls’ education is not only improving literacy rates but also shaping health, fertility, workforce participation, and leadership outcomes. This transformation, spearheaded by initiatives like Kanya Kelavani in Gujarat and later Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) at the national level, represents a structural and cultural shift in Indian society.

    Why is this transformation in the news?

    Girls’ education in India is witnessing measurable improvements backed by accountability and systemic policy pushes. The nationwide BBBP initiative, initially launched in 100 gender-critical districts, has led to a visible improvement in sex ratio at birth (919 in 2015-16 to 929 in 2019-21), reduced female dropout rates, and higher female literacy in states like Gujarat. These achievements are striking because they stand in contrast to decades of entrenched female foeticide, poor infrastructure for girls, and deep social stigma. For the first time, policy, leadership, and public movements have converged to change mindsets at scale, making this one of the most significant social transformations of contemporary India.

    The Gujarat Model of Change

    1. Multi-pronged approach: Tackled female foeticide and illiteracy not just with laws but also through perception change, infrastructure, and incentives.
    2. Kanya Kelavani Campaign (2003): Focused on awareness, provision of toilets for girls (a major dropout factor), and community participation.
    3. Striking impact: Female literacy rate in Gujarat rose to 70% (above national average of 64%); dropout rates reduced by 90% in targeted districts.
    4. Symbolic leadership: PM Modi auctioned personal gifts raising ₹19 crore for girls’ education, alongside a personal donation of ₹21 lakh, signalling public ownership of the movement.

    Scaling Success Nationwide: Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao

    1. Launched in 2015: Nationwide expansion of Gujarat’s lessons to prevent female foeticide and promote education.
    2. Inter-ministerial coordination: Involved Women and Child Development, Health, and Education ministries for an integrated push.

    • Impact:

      1. Sex ratio at birth: Improved from 919 (2015-16) to 929 (2019-21).
      2. Wider coverage: Expanded beyond the initial 100 critical districts to pan-India.
      3. 20 out of 30 States/UTs performing better than national average sex ratio (930).

    The Ripple and Multiplier Effects of Educated Girls

    1. Demographic shift: Educated women marry later, have fewer children; Total Fertility Rate fell to 2.0 (below replacement).
    2. Health outcomes: More likely to seek institutional deliveries and prenatal care; Infant Mortality Rate reduced from 49 (2014) to 33 (2020).
    3. Economic participation: Rising visibility in healthcare, STEM, education, entrepreneurship, armed forces, and tech leadership.
    4. Intergenerational impact: Children of educated mothers perform better in school, with healthier outcomes.
    5. Changing mindsets: In Madhya Pradesh, 89.5% aware of BBBP, and 63.2% credited it with motivating families to send daughters to school.

    Challenges Ahead

    1. Labour force participation: Despite progress, overall female labour participation remains low.
    2. Regional disparities: Some states and districts lag significantly in sex ratio and enrollment.
    3. Cultural inertia: Early marriages, dowry, and gendered household expectations still restrict education gains.

    Conclusion

    The transformation in girls’ education marks one of the most profound social revolutions in India. From Gujarat’s Kanya Kelavani to the nationwide BBBP, the shift is not only about literacy but about empowering women to be leaders, professionals, and change-makers. As the article highlights, when you educate a girl, you transform a society. Sustaining this momentum will be crucial for India’s journey towards equity, development, and inclusive growth.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2021] Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu?

    Linkage: The article shows that while education and schemes like BBBP have triggered change, sustained mindset shifts through community engagement, legal safeguards, and leadership-driven social movements are equally vital to challenge India’s patriarchal milieu.

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  • Labour, Jobs and Employment – Harmonization of labour laws, gender gap, unemployment, etc.

    More Women join the labour force, but are they really employed?

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Issues relating growth and development, employment

    Introduction

    The female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) is often viewed as a proxy for gender equality and economic dynamism. India’s FLFPR dropped from 31.2% in 2011-12 to 23.3% in 2017-18 but has dramatically risen to 41.7% in 2023-24. At first glance, this looks like a success story. However, closer scrutiny reveals that most women are being absorbed into agriculture, unpaid household enterprises, and low-paying self-employment, rather than formal or secure wage jobs. The paradox is clear: more women are being “counted” in the labour market, but their earnings and economic independence remain stagnant or declining.

    Why is female labour force participation in the news?

    1. Sharp rise in FLFPR: Jumped from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24.
    2. First-time reversal: After years of decline, the participation rate is rising again.
    3. Underlying concern: Despite more women “working,” earnings have fallen, and secure wage jobs remain elusive.
    4. Contradiction: Participation has grown, but instead of diversifying into services/industry, women are moving back into agriculture.

    What explains the rise in female participation?

    1. Rural women as drivers: Most of the rise is accounted for by women in rural India.
    2. Shift from domestic duties: Share of women reporting “domestic duties” fell from 57.8% (2017-18) to 35.7% (2023-24).
    3. Rise in unpaid helpers: Share of “helpers in household enterprises” rose from 9.1% to 19.6%.
    4. Self-employment increase: “Own account workers and employers” rose from 4.5% to 14.6%.

    Are women moving to better jobs?

    1. Agriculture dominance: Share of rural women in agriculture rose from 71.1% (2018-19) to 76.9% (2023-24).
    2. Decline in other sectors: Women’s share in both secondary (industry) and tertiary (services) sectors has fallen.
    3. Blurring boundaries: Women’s unpaid household work overlaps with helper roles in household enterprises, making it questionable whether this should count as “employment.”

    What about earnings and job quality?

    1. Declining real earnings: Except for casual workers, earnings have declined across categories—self-employed, salaried, and even employers.
    2. Vulnerability of self-employment: More women are reporting self-employment, but this has not translated into higher income.
    3. No wage expansion: Growth in FLFPR has not been accompanied by secure wage-based jobs.

    Why does this matter for India’s economy and gender equality?

    1. False signal of empowerment: Higher FLFPR without earnings security reflects distress-driven participation, not genuine empowerment.
    2. Economic vulnerability: Rising unpaid and low-paid work lowers household resilience and women’s autonomy.
    3. Policy challenge: Employment growth is not keeping pace with women’s entry into the workforce, pointing to structural issues in India’s labour market.

    Conclusion

    The sharp rise in India’s female labour force participation hides more than it reveals. Women are being pushed into unpaid or poorly paid work, especially in agriculture and household enterprises, while real earnings are falling. This suggests that India’s growth story is not translating into dignified employment for women. For true gender equality, the focus must shift from mere participation numbers to quality, security, and remuneration of women’s work. Only then will women’s economic empowerment become a reality.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2023] Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetized economy’. How can the care economy be brought into a monetized economy through women empowerment?

    Linkage: The article highlights women’s shift from domestic duties to unpaid helper roles, directly linking the care economy to the challenge of integrating it into the monetized economy through women’s empowerment.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: United Nations

    [pib] India re-elected to Part II of ICAO Council

    IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    During the 42nd International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal, India was re-elected to Part II of the ICAO Council.

    About the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):

    • Overview: Specialized UN agency created in 1944 through the Chicago Convention (signed 7 December 1944).
    • Headquarters: Montreal, Canada; Membership: 193 states (virtually every UN member).
    • Objectives: Ensure safe and orderly growth of international civil aviation; Standardize aviation rules and regulations across nations.

    • Functions:

      • Formulates Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) for global aviation.
      • Promotes air safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection.
      • Resolves aviation disputes between states.
      • Monitors compliance with international aviation norms.
      • Coordinates global air traffic management and accident investigation standards.

    • Structure:

      • Assembly: Sovereign body, meets every 3 years, includes all 193 members.
      • Secretariat: Headed by Secretary-General.
      • Council: 36 elected members serving 3-year terms; key decision-making body.
      • Bureaus: Air Navigation, Air Transport, Technical Co-operation, Legal, Administration & Services.

    ICAO and India:

    • Membership: Founder member since 1944, uninterrupted presence on ICAO Council for 81 years.
    • Nodal Agency: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
    • Performance: India rated above global average for airworthiness in 2022 ICAO audit.
    • Contributions: Active in policy development, international standards, harmonized and sustainable aviation frameworks.
    • Aviation Growth: One of the fastest-growing markets globally, attracting investments in aircraft manufacturing, MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul), and skill development.
    • Cultural Role: India hosts International Civil Aviation Day annually (first observed 1994; UN recognition 1996).

    India’s Re-Election to ICAO Council (2025–2028):

    • Significance: Elected to Part II of ICAO Council (states making largest contribution to civil air navigation facilities); India positioned itself as a global aviation hub.
    • Priorities for 2025–2028 Term:
      • Strengthening aviation safety, security, and sustainability.
      • Promoting equitable growth in air connectivity.
      • Advancing technology and innovation in aviation.
      • Supporting ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative.

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  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme

    Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Why in the News?

    The Government has extended the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme until March 31, 2026, providing relief and policy certainty to exporters.

    About the RoDTEP Scheme:

    • Launch & Context: Introduced on 1 January 2021 under the Foreign Trade Policy 2015–20, replacing the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) after India lost a case at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
    • Administration: Managed by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, and implemented via the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
    • Objective: Refund hidden domestic taxes/duties on exports to ensure goods leave the country free of embedded levies, enhancing competitiveness and ensuring WTO compliance.
    • Coverage: Applicable to all Indian exporters (manufacturers and merchants) including SEZs, Export Oriented Units (EOUs), Advance Authorisation (AA) holders, and Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) units.
    • Timeline: Initially valid till 5 February 2025, restored in May 2025 for AA, EOU, and SEZ exports after industry lobbying, and now extended till 31 March 2026.

    Key Features:

    • Hidden Taxes Covered: Refunds duties such as electricity duty, mandi tax, fuel charges in transport, and local cesses.
    • Rebate Mechanism: Calculated as a percentage of the Free on Board (FOB) value of exports.
    • Refund Mode: Benefits disbursed as electronic scrips (e-scrips), stored in CBIC’s digital ledger.
    • Use of E-Scrips: Can be utilised to pay basic customs duty or transferred to other importers.
    • Sectoral Priority: Focus on labour-intensive industries like textiles, handicrafts, leather, etc.
    • Exclusion: Re-exported goods are not eligible under RoDTEP.
    • Budgetary Control: Operates strictly within annual budget allocations, as clarified by DGFT.
    • Policy Certainty: Extension till 2026 ensures stability for exporters facing global trade headwinds.
    [UPSC 2020] With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1.  India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports.

    2. India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizers and machinery have decreased in recent years.

    3. India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services.

    4. India suffers from an overall trade/current account deficit.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only  (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only*

     

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  • Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

    Geoengineering Proposals for Polar Regions found flawed

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    A University of Exeter study found five major polar geoengineering methods ineffective and risky, failing criteria for responsible climate intervention.

    Geoengineering in Polar Regions: Study Findings

    Method Description Intended Benefit Key Findings & Limitations
    Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) Artificially releasing aerosols (SO₂, sulphur particles, TiO₂, CaCO₃) into the stratosphere to reflect sunlight. Reduce surface temperatures by blocking solar radiation.
    • Ineffective in polar winters (no sunlight) and of limited use in summers (ice already highly reflective).
    • Sudden termination can cause “termination shock” with rapid global warming.
    • Potential to disrupt global weather cycles, harming food and water security.
    • No global governance on costs or liability. Estimated cost: $55M/year per country (if 30 nations share).
    Sea Curtains / Sea Walls Massive buoyant barriers anchored to seafloor to block warm currents from reaching ice sheets. Slow melting of glaciers by insulating them from warm water.
    • Technically near-impossible in remote seas like Amundsen (Antarctica).
    • Extremely high costs — >$1 billion/km.
    • Threatens marine circulation, fish migration, and nutrient cycles.
    • Installation in harsh polar seas only possible for few months a year; requires custom-built ships.
    • Risk of toxic materials leaching into ocean.
    Sea Ice Management (Microbeads) Sprinkling glass microbeads over sea ice to increase albedo (reflectivity) and thicken ice. Preserve summer ice, slow down warming.
    • Requires 360M tonnes of beads annually — equal to world’s plastic production.
    • Major logistical and emissions challenges.
    • Beads dissolve quickly, reducing effectiveness.
    • Some studies show beads absorb sunlight, causing net warming.
    • Costly: $500B/year for Arctic deployment; requires 100M pumps, huge energy draw.
    Basal Water Removal Pumping subglacial meltwater from under Antarctic glaciers. Reduce glacier sliding, thus slowing sea-level rise.
    • Flawed logic: subglacial water is constantly replenished by frictional/geothermal heating.
    • Highly emissions-intensive and energy-consuming.
    • Requires continuous monitoring, maintenance, and heavy infrastructure.
    • Long-term sustainability questioned.
    Ocean Fertilisation Adding nutrients (e.g., iron) to stimulate phytoplankton growth, enhancing CO₂ absorption. Sequester more carbon in oceans.
    • No control over which phytoplankton species dominate, creating food chain imbalances. 
    • Could harm marine biodiversity and alter global nutrient cycles.
    • Needs deployment at massive, impractical scale.
    • Risk of side-effects outweighs uncertain benefits.

     

    [UPSC 2020] Consider the following activities:

    1. Spreading finely ground basalt rock extensively on farmlands

    2. Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime

    3. Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters

    How many of the above activities are often considered and discussed for carbon capture and sequestration?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three* (d) None

     

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP)

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    NASA has recently launched the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Centre, Florida.

    About IMAP Mission:

    • Context: Operates under NASA’s Solar Terrestrial Probes Program, following missions like STEREO and IBEX.
    • Objective: To map the heliosphere boundary, study energetic particle acceleration, and understand how the solar wind interacts with the interstellar medium.
    • Location: Positioned at Sun–Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1), ~1.5 million km from Earth, ensuring continuous solar observation.

    NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP)

    Back2Basics: Heliosphere

    • The heliosphere is a vast bubble-like region around the Sun created by the flow of solar wind (charged particles emitted by the Sun).
    • It extends well beyond Pluto and acts as a shield, protecting the solar system from much of the harmful cosmic radiation from interstellar space.
    • Its outer boundary, called the heliopause, marks where solar wind pressure balances with interstellar medium pressure.

    Key Features:

    • Scientific Payload: 10 instruments including- Energetic Neutral Atom Detectors; Charged Particle Detectors and Magnetic & Dust Sensors.
    • Real-Time Alerts: Equipped with I-ALiRT (Active Link for Real-Time) to broadcast space weather data and provide ~30 minutes’ warning of harmful solar radiation.
    • Spacecraft Design: Spin-stabilized, in a Lissajous orbit around L1, ensuring Sun-facing stability.
    • Enhanced Sensitivity: Higher resolution compared to ACE and IBEX, enabling detection of faint cosmic signals.

    Significance:

    • Scientific: Creates the most detailed maps of the heliosphere boundary, improves understanding of solar wind, cosmic rays, and space weather.
    • Technological: Strengthens space weather forecasting, safeguarding satellites, GPS systems, and power grids.
    • Human Spaceflight: Critical for Artemis and future deep-space missions, informing radiation shielding and safe travel routes.
    • Global Collaboration: Complements missions like NASA–ESA’s Solar Orbiter and the upcoming LISA mission, boosting multi-messenger space science.
    • Habitability Research: Provides insights into how heliospheres shield planets, vital for studying Earth’s resilience and exoplanet habitability.
    [UPSC 2016] What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

    Options: (a) Electric plane tested by NASA *

    (b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

    (c) Space observatory launched by China

    (d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

     

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